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Accessibility

As a state agency that distributes public funds to arts and cultural organizations, NYSCA is committed to the notion that the programs and activities it supports are available to all the citizens of the state.

For any questions related to Accessibility, please contact NYSCA's Public Affairs office at public.affairs@arts.ny.gov or at (212) 459-8859.

Featured Resource

Staying Engaged: Health Patterns of Older Americans Who Participate in the Arts

ADA/General Resources

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)

The Endowment maintains an extensive listing of resources pertaining to accessibility and universal design. The NEA web site contains the text of the ADA act, as well as the ADA Architectural Guidelines (ADAAG), an ADA compliance guide, and links to other useful sites.

New York's Human Rights Law guarantees the State's citizens equal opportunity to "enjoy a full and productive life." including in public accommodation, housing, employment, etc. The law should be reviewed to understand the definitions of "disability" and "reasonable accommodation".

The ADA section of the Department of Justice's web site includes ADA law, updates on the law and how it is used and a good technical assistance program. The website offers information on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The US Access Board sets the recommendations on architectural access guidelines. Their site has the ADA architectural guidelines and notices of proposed changes to the guidelines. There is always a period during which the public may comment on guideline changes. An e-newsletter is also available.

The RERC is a national project funded by National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the U.S. Department of Education with a mission of finding technological solutions for people with hearing loss. The organization conducts research, hold seminars and training sessions, and provides information to users on amplification and assistive technology.

Self Help for Hard of Hearing People

This is a comprehensive site to get an overview of assistive listening devices, descriptions of different kinds of systems, a publication list and much more.

Supported by NYSCA, TAP provides a membership service for theatregoers who are hard of hearing or deaf, have low vision or are blind, who cannot climb stairs or who require aisle seating or wheelchair locations. Funding is available for NYSCA grantees toward the costs of open captioning through TAP.